Microsoft: No plans to ever release Xbox One without Kinect

Microsoft has made it clear they have no plans to release an Xbox One without the Kinect motion control system.

Corporate vice president Phil Harrison says the system is an integral part of the console.

"Absolutely no plans at all," Harrison noted when asked if a cheaper non-Kinect bundled model would be available. "We think Kinect is an integral part of our platform. All of the magical experiences that you get, both as a games-player and also the way you navigate the system are made even more amazing because of Kinect."

Because it comes bundled with Kinect, Harrison says developers can design projects for the "widest possible install base."

"Xbox One is Kinect," Harrison concluded. "They are not separate systems. An Xbox One has chips, it has memory, it has Blu-ray, it has Kinect, it has a controller. These are all part of the platform ecosystem."

The Xbox One will launch in early November for $499/�499.

Written by: Andre Yoskowitz @ 29 Aug 2013 18:42

joebloe12

That's OK.....I never planned on BUYING IT AT ALL, EITHER!

29.8.2013 19:41 #1

nintenut

The Xbox One has been one Hell of a ride, even before release. And though the worst (and, therefore, the best) of it has passed, the clowns are still doing their darnedest to keep us all well entertained.
I still have the faintest memory of a time when the Playstation 3's launch was still regarded as one of the industries biggest head-scratchers. "What on Earth were they thinking?" we would ask, and "How could they have made it worse?"
Well, it's been not quite seven years, and Microsoft has shown the Sony of 2006 a thing or two about burning bridges and salting earth.
A hearty bravo is in order for Microsoft's marketing geniuses.

29.8.2013 19:56 #2

DarthMopar

Quote:Microsoft: No plans to ever release Xbox One without Kinect
Me: No plans to ever BUY Xbox One without (or with) Kinect.

29.8.2013 20:59 #3

Menion

Wouldn't quite be the Spybox One without the Kinect now would it? NSA probably isn't happy M$ stated they wont "Force" you to have it connected..

30.8.2013 01:44 #4

Interestx

Economies of scale & the millions sold will quickly reduce the costs involved.

As I said earlier Kinect 1 is on record as selling 24 million & PS Eye over 15 million.
It's hardly true that people don't want these devices. Only some feel that way.

Now that all the 'the NSA might use it to spy on you' BS is done (you can simply unplug Kinect when you don't want to use it....although it never seemed to occur to anyone you can also unplug the Xbox One & turn it off completely too) there is no reason for the scare stories.

30.8.2013 08:22 #5

plazma247

Ha scare stories, seriously, yes people can unplug the connect, but who will bother and im guessing the ui will probably either not work or nag if its not connected, yes you can power off the system completely, but obviously not when your using it, ie in close proximity to it. But most wont bother... an eye and an ear in every home coming your way..! As for no one wants it comment is about right, but considering over 70 million ps3's and 360's have been sold it would appear the users who do want such a device are in the minority by a fair way.

30.8.2013 09:15 #6

snoop5023

That is a shame because I have a 360 now and I bought a Kinect and I do not even use it. I play mostly shooters so no need for this device. I got a couple of Kinect games, but I feel it was a waste of my money buying the Kinect. If want to emulate the UFC fight game, I got three sons, I can emulate with them in in the backyard in real life. I guess, for me, until I can get a real reason why this new Kinect is a must have on the new system, I guess I will not be getting it. How does it affect fight and shooting games that I NEED to have it. Dont get me wrong, I like the Microsoft system because the controller feels good in my big hands, however, I dont like anything shoved at me for purchase when I know I will not use it or need it.

30.8.2013 10:38 #7

Tarsellis

Originally posted by joebloe12: That's OK.....I never planned on BUYING IT AT ALL, EITHER! Add me to that boat.

Not to mention, I have "absolutely no belief at all" that the kinect requirements and spying will be disabled any time at all.

30.8.2013 11:55 #8

xnonsuchx

This was always the main sticking point w/ the Xbox One that nearly all 360 owners I know had with it...only a few of them care about Kinect at all and the rest hate the idea of being forced to pay for peripherals they don't want.

30.8.2013 14:31 #9

Interestx

Originally posted by Tarsellis: I have "absolutely no belief at all" that the kinect requirements and spying will be disabled any time at all. You can physically unplug it.
Don't be silly.

....and those who don't or can't be bothered to obviously aren't so obsessed with the idea they are likely to be spyed upon.

Originally posted by xnonsuchx: nearly all 360 owners I know had with it...only a few of them care about Kinect at all and the rest hate the idea of being forced to pay for peripherals they don't want. S'funny I keep reading this but pre-orders are up (a lot) with a Kinect equipped Xbox One.
I know more than a few interested in the possibilities opened up with the advances made with Kinect 2.

30.8.2013 18:28 #10

plazma247

Ha come on orders are up on a kinect equipped xbox 1, where as thats a completely slanted comment as there is no version without the kiNSAect option is there.. you also failed to say thanks to a lot of other bad decissions which they have now mostly back tracked on now, the ps4 despite starting to take back orders later on in the same month, has nearly double the pre orders... go figure, cant think why..!

Yes you can unplug it, but why make people pay for something many probably either dont want or will never use...

Yes systems like that open up all sorts of posibilities, voice printing, gate recognition, facial detection, etc...

30.8.2013 18:50 #11

Interestx

Originally posted by plazma247: Ha come on orders are up on a kinect equipped xbox 1, where as thats a completely slanted comment as there is no version without the kiNSAect option is there. Nope, it simply reflects reality and the claim that 'everyone hates a Kinect 2 equipped Xbox One' is patent nonsense.
The Sony gang do of course but they are hardly the whole market.

Originally posted by plazma247: you also failed to say thanks to a lot of other bad decissions which they have now mostly back tracked on now Slightly slanted much?
How about Microsoft listened to the market & responded?

...and as reports show not everyone (when they understood what was proposed) thought they were all bad either.
The roaming idea for a start.

Originally posted by plazma247: the ps4 despite starting to take back orders later on in the same month, has nearly double the pre orders... go figure, cant think why..! In some reports.
Others don't give comparisoms but do show Xbox One ordering up, a lot.
Amazon (including all over Europe) for instance.

Originally posted by plazma247: Yes you can unplug it, but why make people pay for something many probably either dont want or will never use... Says you.
I prefer to wait and see what they can do with it, there are a lot of interesting possibilities with its decent resolution.

I also say same about an Eye equipped PS4 btw.

Originally posted by plazma247: Yes systems like that open up all sorts of posibilities, voice printing, gate recognition, facial detection, etc... Facial & voice recognition are part of the Kinect 2 abilities but regardless the notion that it is an 'always on' spy as some continue to claim (and they invariably avoid the fact it can not only be turned off but unplugged) is palpable nonsense.

It now has as less potential for spying than your mobile/cell phone, your tablet, laptop or PC.....but funnily enough there isn't a peanut gallery howling about them.
Funny that, huh?

30.8.2013 19:06 #12

plazma247

Actually the failed to say was the pre order levels bit, and the part about bad descisions was a prelude to the actual statement..!

Yes they have both shot up in pre orders, still the ps4 is walking away with the show, many give comparisions and make comment to this eg.

http://www.vgchartz.com/article/251266/...gust-24th-2013/

Orders for both over time would be up, its a natural increase, its not like they would go backwards, but the fact remains the ps4 has stayed a way out ahead.. care to speculate on the reasons?

Yes the ps4 has they ps eye, but they sell an option without one dont they, giving people a choice in the matter, which is the point most have made.

30.8.2013 19:23 #13

1nsan3

what about us big boys who play big boy games and would never use the kinect! but we still have to have it.
ohwell stidll sticking with the ps4.
Good Bye xbox

31.8.2013 08:01 #14

Interestx

Originally posted by plazma247: Yes they have both shot up in pre orders, still the ps4 is walking away with the show We'll see.

Nov is still months away & the changes Microsoft have made have already made a big difference.

Originally posted by 1nsan3: what about us big boys who play big boy games and would never use the kinect! but we still have to have it.
ohwell stidll sticking with the ps4.
Good Bye xbox Nobody is forcing anyone to buy Xbox One.

The surprising thing to me is that the prices with it & PS4 with Eye are so close.

(...and please, you'll be talking about being 'hardcore' next *rolls eyes*....like that worked so well with Wii & both Sony & Microsoft's move to casual gaming)

31.8.2013 11:16 #15

Tarsellis

M$ hasn't made any changes. They've made statements for marketing purposes. And those statements have a history of being false or changing in actual implementation.

The fact of the matter is this was conceptualized and designed to be a spy/info gathering machine. The best we can ever hope for is that they change the overtness of it and become more subtle. But those core areas won't change.

They will still use every trick they can to modify your behavior so they can collect the same, and additional, data.

31.8.2013 14:57 #16

Interestx

Originally posted by Tarsellis: The fact of the matter is this was conceptualized and designed to be a spy/info gathering machine. "Spying" (in the context of the NSA/GCHQ stories we've seen recently) isn't the same as mere "data gathering", which I'm sure you are aware of but chose to confuse.

The fact remains that you can unplug completely and/or turn off Kinect 2 and is no different to the possibilities open with your pc, laptop, tablet & mobile/cell phone.

I look forward to your campaign on those.

Originally posted by Tarsellis: They will still use every trick they can to modify your behavior so they can collect the same, and additional, data. If you are talking Microsoft & market data then it is no different to a windows pc or laptop or anyone else using cookies etc....and who really cares that much about that possibility?

Wow, a company is interested (like all the others) in gathering statistical data on the uses and users of it's products.
Hardly the stuff of 'big brother' and hardly confined to Microsoft.

If you are talking about the NSA/GCHQ stuff etc etc then you are being about as one-eyed as it is possible to get.

I suggest you take your complaints to the relevant Gov's concerned.....and while you're at it complain about them doing stuff with your email, phone calls etc etc.

Even Sony (USA, UK etc) have to comply with legal demands...but then you choose to ignore this and pretend it is all down to Microsoft.
That's laughable fanboy nonsense.....and is in fact really missing the point, dumb & an idiotic distraction that lets Gov's get away with their mass surveillance at their mere whim.

No wonder they have been getting away with it for so long.
Well done.

31.8.2013 15:32 #17

plazma247

Actually i would say you have far more control on a windows pc, desktop os of what ever flavour, you have driver level control, can turn off java/java script and not use cookies, plus lots more, not so with a games station.

Considering the nsa was apparently given what equates to unencrypted access to so many back end server systems at M$ is there any shock that people at looking at their new games system and thinking all sorts of things.

But lets get back on track shall we, yes the ps4 with the eye cost around give or take the same price as the xbox 1, the point is sony gave users a choice.

Maybe ms has gained some ground on sony, but i personally dont see the numbers will be equal come november, like you say we will see.

31.8.2013 17:44 #18

Interestx

Originally posted by plazma247: Actually i would say you have far more control on a windows pc, desktop os of what ever flavour, you have driver level control, can turn off java/java script and not use cookies, plus lots more, not so with a games station. Yet pretty much all net connected pc, laptops & tablets are hackable (esp at the level of a national security investigation); as is your mobile/cell phone (not forgetting the years of record now demanded that service providers keep.

I just find it odd that some want to focus on an as yet unreleased game console (and keep up the nonsense even after it has been made clear that you can unplug the Kinect unit and still use the console).

Originally posted by plazma247: Considering the nsa was apparently given what equates to unencrypted access to so many back end server systems at M$ is there any shock that people at looking at their new games system and thinking all sorts of things.

Except they weren't "given" it.
The told Microsoft that they had legal entitlement and explained they had no choice.

Just like Sony USA would have no choice or any of the other companies based in the USA.
Here in the UK we have GCHQ doing similar and sometimes on behalf of the NSA, all 'legal' but done without the public being aware (until recently).

Microsoft isn't interested in gathering data other than for the purposes of making themselves more profitable (like any other corporation....even Sony too).
The day they start black-mailing you for visiting porn sites or whatever is the day I will agree with this line about them being 'big brother'.

Doing the fanboy thing & using this issue that way is just ludicrous.
It utterly misses the point, wastes time & energy & diverts attention from the serious issue of how much we want our Gov's intruding on our privacy - and what sort of data they are gathering & what they are using it for.
As well as unveiling what they have been doing so far.

How they must laugh at us.

31.8.2013 22:47 #19

plazma247

Firstly lets make the distinction between a desktop pc being hacked and something injected afterwards to do bad things and phones where this is also possible, but where the manufacture/os vendor has far to much control, ie gps tracking etc. and lastly the recording of communications and meta information relating to the services provided by the telco or data communication provider.

So the take home distinction is built in things that are part of the os/system, post end user exploitation and service traffic interception.

People are upset microsoft either willingly or unwillingly gave them the keys to the kingdom away, some believe they appear to have been far more assistive than was required. Yes any company who gets these demands from goverment must legally comply, i guess some comply a lot more than others in how far they go.. I also believe there is a distinction to be had from a company who has its base of operations/servers in X country and where it only has no base of operation or say only marketing staff and sales departments through a sister company in country Y and one who has all their bases of operation under the same company hat in both countries. Im not saying this is the case with sony, mealy a distinction to be made about when and where its possible to lever and strong arm the required data out of the providers hands.

Im fairly certain its the goal of any company to do what ever to make the company more profitable, this is a bit of a no brainer right, making it a bit of a said fact. If company x gets an easier time in certain countries in relation to data requests and company y does or is out of that territory, you can bet company x will have a much easier time on large operating in said country and the powers they be make it harder in what ever way for company y to try and make them comply to the level they want, then company x will stand to increasing profit.

Lastly the fan boy thing, sir the topic at discussion and the place of this discussion would suggest this was never likely to be the case, but you trying to assert this, talk about calling to pot calling the kettle black...

Im sure they are laughing and probably harder at some...

1.9.2013 05:37 #20

Interestx

Originally posted by plazma247:
Im sure they are laughing and probably harder at some... Yes, particularly those who want to make the issue all about Microsoft & a game console which has not even been released yet - and which has been changed.
Rather then the Gov bodies who have been setting up & using PRISM etc etc for a vast array of indiscriminate & secret surveillance - for years - & the vague legislation which has allowed them to do so.

2.9.2013 09:44 #21

Menion

Well some may call it a "Scare" tactic while others refuse to ignore what's blatantly slapping them in the face. I have heard several people over the years from the military with high levels of security say "People just want there Television, Movies, Favorite Food ect and don't want to be bothered by the truths" I believe for the vast majority of population to be true.

Lets sum this up:
1.M$ Announces Xbox One

2.Details of DRM, Always On, Cloud Storage, Kinect are reviled

3.Very large debate amongst the gamers, Negative feedback to M$

4.News announces 70Million 360's Sold

5.News Articles appear over Germany's concern with the new Kinect ability to record video, Sound, and track blood flow in the dark and the security of its people.

6.Edward Snowden releases NSA Docs about PRISM and mentions M$ Giving complete access to the NSA

7.M$ announces that it's not "Always" on but they will need you to connect to their cloud servers at least once every 24 hours

8. Amazon releases a Poll to the public M$ vs Ps4 with 40k to 2k votes in favor of Sony the Poll is taken down early

9.Former employee of Marketing group admits to having people hired to force down negative remarks on the box and promote good ones while leaving false positive feedback in a way to manage Reputation

10.Microsoft recants to "Always on" and other features hated by the gamers, but states the Kinect will still come with the package

11.M$ Announce no plans to ever release the console without the Kinect device

So there's a big sore thumb sticking out in this history line: Xbox sold 70 Million so Xboxone should do the same, A Kinect with all sorts of features that will most likely never be used is added, our new little box likes to stay "Connected" and wants to talk with the Cloud Storage. The company we are purchasing from turns out to be involved with the NSA. NSA "Loves" Mining Data so what better Data can it get from having an "Eye" in the consumers living room?

You can choose to believe it or not but I find those not wanting to accept it reminds me of those guys who's girfriends are screwing around on them when everyone else knows it, they tell their friend but they still refuse to accept it.

Now granted They did remove always DRM, Online, & the ability to unplug the Kinect it was done to the simple fact if they didn't they weren't going to Sell. The more units in peoples homes is the more "Data Mining" NSA can do, As well M$ Can do to sell for Marketing research. They must figure well if we ensure they have it how many people will just set it up and forget about it?

The only other reason M$ could possibly be hell bent on having that camera with that box at all times would be they decided to integrate it with every game (Similar to trying to play a wii without the sensor bar...) and it's needed but we all know that's not happening.

Glad to see some of the M$ Fanboys are starting to show back up on the scene, they need some supporters if they intend to sell any systems and have a strong go at the PS4.

2.9.2013 14:49 #22

snoop5023

I don't care about the scare tactics spying rumors. If the government is going to spy on you they will. They already are with and being doing so publicly since the first Bush era as far as I can remember when I first starting caring about it. My reasoning is that Microsoft refuses to give the consumer a choice: with the Kinect or without the kinect. To me, to get political if I may have to, a totalitarian tactic. Ok, enough with my conspiracy theory. I have both the PS3 and the Xbox 360 (along with the wii, blah,blah). I like both systems and the console specific games that come with them. They both offer something better than the other but in honesty they are both great. There is an Xbox 360 with a Kinect in my living room (for family and friends)and an Xbox 360 in my man cave just for me, also with a Kinect. The number of uses I got out of both cameras respectively is two. That is my reasoning for wanting one without the Kinect. I will not ever use the system to control my cable viewing or TV or any of that stuff they say the Xbox One can do. Sure, I want one, just without the Kinect camera, which I will not need. So, I do not want to spend the extra $100.00 bucks on a Kinect camera I will not ever use, that is the bottom line for me. I know Microsoft gave in to a lot of what they had planned for the Xbox One, however, in my opinion, this is still a capitalistic consumer market and they will sell more units if they offered one without the Kinect 2.0, just my opinion.

3.9.2013 08:56 #23

Interestx

Originally posted by snoop5023: I don't care about the scare tactics spying rumors. If the government is going to spy on you they will. They already are with and being doing so publicly since the first Bush era as far as I can remember when I first starting caring about it. That's fair enough.
I just find it incredible that a console as yet unreleased - and which has already been changed significantly as regards the Kinnect always on stuff - is the subject of so much of this supposed 'fear' about being spyed upon and the whole issue of the years of surveillance to date goes completely unremarked.
Ditto the ability of mobile/cell phones, phone company record keeping, the ability of pc, laptop & tablet to be hacked by Gov.

Originally posted by snoop5023: I know Microsoft gave in to a lot of what they had planned for the Xbox One, however, in my opinion, this is still a capitalistic consumer market and they will sell more units if they offered one without the Kinect 2.0, just my opinion. I would agree with this too, but I think they are looking to the day when the Kinnect components are simplified & made in huge numbers, so benefitting from the economies of scale and are no longer a $100 premium.
An additional cost, yes but a much smaller one.

Of course Kinnect might no longer be the focus of devs now Microsoft have said Xbox One will work without it but I am still very intrigued to see what creative skilled software people, with imagination, will do done with it.

The media controlling alone has always interested me.

Anyways, I'll be getting both but not for a couple of years once prices have dropped to under the �200/$310 here in the UK
(and I'll be wantin a PS4 with its full features & abilities, so that'll includes the Eye etc).

3.9.2013 10:21 #24

IguanaC64

On the bright side...there should be a ton of cheap kinects on Ebay to hack with on a PC, or they can bury them with the Atari 2600 ET cartridges.

Even though my cell phone is just as much of a risk as a connected XBox one, it's something I feel I'm forced to have by my job. I'm not going to make it easier by introducing another constantly on device that's purely optional. People are generally ignorant of their consoles. I remember one guy saying "How can a PS3 bluetooth controller turn on a PS3" in regards to a bluetooth controller turning on an Android device. Many people don't realize that even if "off" they're just in low power mode. They're still powered on and listening for a PS3 controller to turn them on. Additionally, I was wondering about some new wifi network with 5 bars in my house (unusual...my neighbors don't live close enough to blast me with 5 bars of wifi). The PS3 broadcasts wifi even when my family thought it was off. Many don't understand the difference.

Just because folks accept some risk doesn't mean they have to throw all caution away and accept any device with an internet connection the ability to record audio/video.

3.9.2013 11:19 #25

Interestx

Originally posted by IguanaC64: I'm not going to make it easier by introducing another constantly on device that's purely optional. Good job neither Xbox One nor Kinnect doesn't have to be constantly on (or Kinnect even plugged in when you use Xbox One) then. ;)

3.9.2013 19:18 #26

AfterDawn: News